SALEM WEEKLY NEWS
For January 22, 2021
ONLINE WORSHIP FOR JANUARY 24
Mark 1:21-28 shapes our online service for this coming Sunday. The Bible story is about a man in the synagogue at Capernaum. The man suffers from an unclean spirit who is disruptive to the flow of life in the synagogue. Christianizing the scene, the sermon speaks of the church as the setting rather than the synagogue; contemporizing the situation, the sermon thinks of the unclean spirit as any attitude or idea contrary to God and disruptive of healthy congregational life. Four of these “unclean spirits” are named and described. Let’s work at being rid of them whenever they appear.
YOUTH CHECK-IN THIS SUNDAY, 1:00-1:45 PM
Youth Check-In this Sunday, January 24th, 1:00-1:45 pm featuring Cathy's "Facts About Me Kahoot!" Check your email for the Zoom link.
COMMISSIONING THE CHURCH COUNCIL and BOARD OF CHRISTIAN ED
Each January we commission our Church Council and Board of Christian Education members during a worship service. Since this is a covenanting ceremony, involving promises made to, with, and by the congregation as well as these board members, we are going to hold the commissioning liturgy over Zoom at 11:00 AM on Sunday, January 31. Here is the Zoom link. Please join in this time of covenanting with one another. The commissioning itself will be brief and there will be ample time for conversation and fellowship following.
https://zoom.us/j/97771089983?pwd=TEZBRjJEdHdIcmZURkQ1aXQwTFNGUT09
2020 GIVING STATEMENTS and 2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Our Financial Secretaries have prepared your giving statements for 2020 and have readied boxes of offering envelopes, for those who desire them. How can you get yours during these days of closure? Two ways: you can stop at the church any weekday morning between 8:30 and 11:30 when Mark is in the office; or you can come on a Wednesday between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM when Mark is in the building to record the week’s online service and to lead Confirmation. If you come for your giving statement and offering envelopes, perhaps you can pick up those for persons in your family, too, and deliver them. These methods seem better than simple leaving them outside. If you simply cannot make any of these times, please contact the church office and we will make some other arrangements.
RECYCLE THE WARMTH 2021
Our church is set to take part as The Society of St. Vincent de Paul conducts in 29th annual Recycle the Warmth blanket drive. Not much is more important to good health and success in school or at work than a good night’s sleep. Please donate your good quality new and used blankets, sheets, and bedding to help our neighbors in need throughout Dane County. A collection bin is located on the patio at church. A donation of $13.99 will purchase a new, good quality blanket. St. Vincent de Paul strongly encourages online donations this year at svdpmadison.org or checks can be sent to Salem. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. The campaign runs until January 31st.
PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH US
Cara Bahr is in the process of preparing an updated membership directory for us. If your mailing address, telephone number, or email address has changed, please send Cara your newest information. cbahr@salemchurchverona.org
2021 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL: "Responding to Jesus"
We are still looking for a few more people to contribute to our annual Lenten devotional. Participants will receive a scripture verse that follows the theme of "Responding to Jesus" and are asked to write a personal reflection in response. This annual project is an important tradition for the Salem community and every reflection adds to the richness of our collective Christian testimony. Please contact Sarah Pundt for more information. See Sarah’s email address above.
ZOOM WORSHIP
Explorations are underway toward transitioning, at least periodically, to live worship services via Zoom. We welcome anyone who may be interested in lending a hand toward helping this be possible and effective. You can volunteer by way of a return email: myurs@salemchurchverona.org.
9:00AM Sunday School
10:15AM Worship
Our office is open in the mornings on weekdays.
Our Community
Whether you are looking to renew your relationship with God or just find friends to support you through good times and bad, Salem offers regular services, fellowship, outreach, community service, potluck programs, and musical groups to keep you coming back.
